You need to send letters to creditors and
collectors and would like to maintain accruate records of your actions.
- General Instructions
- Preparing Documents to Fax and
Mail
- Mailing Instructions
- Maintaining Proof of Your
Actions
Feel free to copy and paste the
information below into your word processor or have Rich send you a
free
copy of the mailing instructions.
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General Instructions
It is very important to keep copies of everything when
communicating with creditors, debt collectors, credit reporting agencies and
credit repair agencies. This means keeping copies and records
of all correspondence sent and received . . . even the envelopes!
Should the creditor, debt collector, or credit reporting or
repair agency violate the law, you will have the necessary documentation to
prove it, and perhaps sue them in civil court. If you encounter difficulty and
need to hire a lawyer or file a formal complaint, accurate records are needed
to support your case.
It is recommended that you send a fax and also send a certified
copy via the U.S. mail, as well as standard first class mail with proof of
mailing ["certificate of mailing"]. This is necessary because they may not
accept your certified mail, or deny receipt of the fax, but with the standard
first class mail, you have gone the extra mile, and can prove it if necessary.
Print the outline below and use it as a checklist when
preparing and mailing your letters.
Feel free to copy and paste the text of the letter
below into your word processor or use this
automatic
email request. Clicking the link should open your email program where you
can click the send email button to request a free copy of this letter in
Microsoft Word format.
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Preparing Documents to Fax and
Mail
Step 1: Write the Letter (initial or follow-up
dispute, creditor's agreement, or free credit report request etc.). Consider
hand writing your letter but if you type it, be sure to sign it and send the
original to avoid it looking like a form letter.
Step 2: Sign and date all letters in
black ink!
Step 3: Make 2 copies of your signed letter,
and 2 copies of any attachments.
Step 4: Fax the letter and all attachments
(keep the fax confirmation sheet for your records)
Step 5: Staple the original
attachments to a copy of your letter, and save for your files.
Send original letters but never send original receipts or
other original documents!
Step 6: Properly address two envelopes, with
the correct return address but, do not put stamps on them!
Step 7: Staple one set of attachment copies to
your original letter, and place in envelope #1.
Step 8: Staple one set of attachment copies to
a copy of your original letter, and place in envelope #2.
Step 9:Take both letters to the Post Office
and follow the mailing instructions.
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Mailing Instructions
Envelope # 1
Go to the post office and send it by certified mail with
return-receipt requested then, take the cash receipt stamped with the amount
and date and when your certified return receipt arrives via the mail, save both
of these in a file marked "Credit Disputes".
Envelope #2
Go to the post office and have them send it by 1st class mail
using a "certificate of mailing" (proof that it was mailed). Keep the
dated/stamped cash receipt and ask for a dated/stamped "certificate of mailing"
(small extra fee) receipt, then save both of these in a file marked "Credit
Disputes".
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Maintaining Proof of Your
Actions
You should have the following items as proof for each letter
you send:
- A copy of the creditor, debt collector, or credit reporting
agency letter;
- The envelope that the documents in number 1 came
in;
- A copy of your signed letter with attachments stapled to
it;
- A fax confirmation sheet
- A dated/stamped cash receipt from the post office (envelope
#1)
- A return-receipt, after it arrives in the mail (envelope
#1)
- A "certificate of mailing" receipt (envelope #2 -first-class
letter )
- A cash receipt for the "certificate of mailing" (envelope
#2)
Place all of these in a folder marked "Credit
Disputes" and file away in a safe place for at least 15 years. Check the
Statue of Limitations to see if you should keep the records longer!
If you've fallen behind on your bills, especially credit cards,
don't panic. You may have several good options available to you. Your success
starts by assessing your current situation and finding a trusted service
provider that is licensed in your state. How iDebtAssistance.com
Works:
Rich's Enterprises, L.L.C.
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